Friday, November 30, 2012

Earlier this week, we saw the first snowflakes flying in our neck of the woods.
It was our cue to add a few warm-you-to-your-toes dishes to our
weekly menus. There's nothing like something bubbly and baked to
chase away the chill of the day.

We all have favorite dishes that warm you heart & soul...which recipes do
you always reach for when a loved one is feeling under the weather?

Melt
butter in a large saucepan over medium heat; blend in flour and salt.
Stir in milk; cook until thickened, stirring constantly. Add cheeses;
stir until melted. Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain
and fold into cheese mixture. Spoon into a lightly greased 1-1/2 quart
casserole dish. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Serves
8.Click here for a printable version of this recipe!

Ready to add your own COMFORT FOOD recipe?

See below to join the party and, if you're sharing this hop on your own blog, link back here with button below.

As I look back on my life, it's interesting to see where God's taken me, and where I took myself that God pulled me out of. I finally got back to writing, the dream of my heart. Since 1996, I've published numerous short stories, devotions and plays. I've also been active in church drama ministries, another passion of mine. My first novel, The Love of His Brother (November 2007, Five Star Publishers), was followed by The Pastor's Wife (February 2010, Abingdon Press) and The Mother Road (April 2012). A Wild Goose Chase Christmas is book two in the new Quilts of Love series.

Besides being a writer, I am a wife and mom. Living in Las Vegas, Nevada, my family has learned how to enjoy the fabulous buffets here without severely impacting our waistlines. God is good!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Upon her grandmother's death, Izzy Fontaine finds herself in possession of a Wild Goose Chase pattern quilt that supposedly leads to a great treasure.

Of course, once the rest of the family finds out about the "treasure map," they're determined to have a go at the treasure themselves. And, if that weren't enough, Max Logan, a local museum curator, contacts Izzy and says that Grandma Isabella promised him the quilt.

What is it about this quilt that makes everyone want it? Is Izzy on a wild goose chase of her own, or a journey that will lead her to the treasure her grandmother intended?

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Synopsis:"NBA
superstar
Kevin Durant plays himself in this action-packed family
film about a
basketball star who switches talent with a klutzy 16-year-old
fan. When Brian (Taylor
Gray) magically switches basketball skills with his hero,
Kevin Durant, he
becomes the star of his high school team... while Kevin Durant
suddenly can’t
make a shot to save his life! But with the playoffs approaching,
Brian learns
that being a true winner means working hard at your own game,
and he tries to
make things right in time to prevent a catastrophic end to his
hero’s season."

-----

Check
out the fun new blog app released in anticipation of Thunderstruck
arriving on Blu-Ray and DVD next week. When you are done playing the
games, reading the tips for kids and watching the trailer of this
family-friendly movie, make sure you enter my giveaway for a chance to
win a copy of the movie for your family to enjoy.

Free-Throw
Challenge
Game! Are you up for a Free-Throw Challenge?
Show us your
skills! Make as many baskets as you can and unlock special clips
along the way.

7
Thunder-ific Tips for
Kids! Does your kid dream
of going pro?
Use these awesome tips to help them sharpen up their skills!
“Hard work beats
talent when talent fails to work hard.”- Kevin Durant.

---GIVEAWAY---

Enter
for your chance to enter to win a Combo
Pack
(Blu-Ray + DVD + Digital Download) of Thunderstruck, arriving in
stores on December 4th.

The prize will be sent via FedEx or UPS. No P.O. Boxes please. US Residents only please. Giveaway open til Dec. 14th.

To enter tell me in a post one item on you Christmas wish list. Be sure to leave your contact information.

Monday, November 26, 2012

Margaret Daley is an award winning, multi-published author in the romance genre. One of her romantic suspense books, Hearts on the Line, won the American Christian Fiction Writers’ Book of the Year Contest. Recently she has won the Golden Quill Contest, FHL’s Inspirational Readers’ Choice Contest, Winter Rose Contest, Holt Medallion and the Barclay Gold Contest. She wrote for various secular publishers before the Lord led her to the Christian romance market. She currently writes inspirational romance and romantic suspense books for the Steeple Hill Love Inspired lines, romantic suspense for Abingdon Press and historical romance for Summerside Press. She has sold eighty-three books to date.

Margaret is currently the President for American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), an organization of over 2300 members. She was one of the founding members of the first ACFW local chapter, WIN in Oklahoma. She has taught numerous classes for online groups, ACFW and RWA chapters. She enjoys mentoring other authors.

Until she retired a few years ago, she was a teacher of students with special needs for twenty-seven years and volunteered with Special Olympics as a coach. She currently is on the Outreach committee at her church, working on several projects in her community as well as serving on her church’s vestry.

On a more personal note, she has been married for over forty years to Mike and has one son and four granddaughters. She treasures her time with her family and friends.

ABOUT THE BOOK

A serial killer is targeting illegal aliens in southern Texas. Texas Ranger Cody Jackson is paired with a local police officer, Liliana Rodriguez, to investigate the murders.

While the case brings Cody and Liliana ever closer, the tension between Americans and Mexican Americans heightens. As Cody and Liliana race to discover who is behind the murders and bring peace to the area, what they uncover isn't what they expected. Will Cody and Liliana's faith and love be strong enough to survive the storm of violence?

Friday, November 23, 2012

I think this CD is quickly moving up the ladder to #1 spot. Simply Christmas is a nice mix of religious and secular Christmas songs. It isn't too jazzed up listening, but puts you in that festive mood. Robin's only accompaniment is piano. I love it. Her voice is sparkling, crisp and clear. There are no loud drums beating to lose the voice in the background. It's almost as a bird is setting on my window singing. It is just as the title says, 'Simply' music.

My favorite one is #3 - Grown-up Christmas List. She ends the trailer with my favorite song. It starts about half way into the trailer and goes to the end. Just love this song. enjoy the trailer.

Now head out to buy Robin's Simply Christmas CD. I do believe you'll enjoy Robin's sweet voice and piano. Better yet you may find downloads @ Amazon or iTunes

About the CD:
Teaming up with pianist Marvin Goldstein, talented vocalist Robin is celebrating the intimacy
and simplicity of the holidays by putting a new twist on the Christmas standards you are sure to start
whistling right along with Robin's singing.

“This is the time of year when music helps us renew our faith as well as our sense of fun,” Robin
said. “I wanted to combine the two by choosing songs close to our hearts, jazz them up a little
and have a good time with them. And with just us – Marvin’s marvelous piano accompaniment
and me – it’s like we’re in your living room, sharing an intimate holiday gathering with your
family,” she said.

Robin has always loved to perform and has sung in church all her life, envisioning her future one
day as a country singer. Growing up in California’s Orange County, she veered away from
country at one point as a member of the DavElliott5, a jazz vocal ensemble. Then life happened.
A husband and family. Four kids. Robin’s love of music has never waned, however, and now her
life has come full circle, back to music, with this first offering of musical holiday cheer.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

R. J. Larson is the author of numerous devotionals featured in publications such as Women's Devotional Bible and Seasons of a Woman's Heart. She lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with her husband and their two sons. Prophet marks her debut in the fantasy genre.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Kien Lantec, you will bear witness to my followers in ToronSea.

The last thing Kien Lantec expects on his first day of military leave is to receive marching orders from his Creator, the Infinite. Orders that don't involve destroyer-racing or courting the love of his life, Ela. Adding to Kien's frustration, his Infinite-ordained duties have little to do with his skills as a military judge-in-training. His mission? To warn the people of ToronSea against turning their backs on the Infinite to worship a new goddess.

Tell them I see they are beguiled. Tell them I seek their hearts. The wise will hear Me.

But why Kien? Isn't this the role of a true prophet, such as Ela of Parne? Seeking answers, Kien visits Ela and finds her stricken by a devastating vision of her own. Her birthplace, Parne, has forsaken their Creator and will soon suffer judgment. Pulled in separate ways, each must seek to follow the Infinite's leading...and hope He will reunite them again soon.

Monday, November 19, 2012

Anne Elisabeth Stengl makes her home in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she enjoys her profession as an art teacher, giving private lessons from her personal studio, and teaching group classes at the Apex Learning Center. She is married to the handsome man she met at fencing class and lives with him and a gaggle of cats. She studied illustration at Grace College and English literature at Campbell University. Heartless is her debut novel.

Anne Elisabeth is also the author of the Tales of Goldstone Wood, a series of fantasy adventure novels told in the classic Fairy Tale style.

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Black Dogs Are on the Hunt, But Who Is Their Prey?

When a cursed dragon-witch kidnaps fairest Lady Gleamdren, the Bard Eanrin sets boldly forth on a rescue mission...and a race against his rival for Gleamdren's favor. Intent upon his quest, the last thing the immortal Faerie needs is to become mixed up with the troubles of an insignificant mortal.

But when he stumbles upon a maiden trapped in an enchanted sleep, he cannot leave her alone in the dangerous Wood Between. One waking kiss later, Eanrin suddenly finds his story entangled with that of young Starflower. A strange link exists between this mortal girl and the dragon-witch. Will Starflower prove the key to Lady Gleamdren's rescue? Or will the dark power from which she flees destroy both her and her rescuer?

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Well I was able to get a little bit of cross-stitch "x's" in on Friday night for the sew in...Actually "x's" are done on the picture itself so I was doing the outlining...tedious job of straight stitches. Here is my progress pictures....

cross-stitch before FNSI

cross-stitch after FNSI

I was able to get some sewing on my daughter's quilt done on Thursday night, but just don't have time to post pictures right now maybe later in week I'll get some posted.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

I always wait with great anticipation for the monthly sew-in to come. I'm left by myself as much as three or four nights a week because of everyone's work schedules. So I look forward to Friday Night Sew-In and pray it'll fall on a night when everyone has to work. Well, I'm bummed....This week, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and guess what .......Saturday I'm alone by my lil' ol' self, but hubby doesn't have to work on Friday night.....ARGH!!! Don't know if I'll get any sewing in on Friday night or not, but I'm setting up tonight and Saturday as sewing times. I've been cutting my pieces for my quilt all month when I've been alone. Maybe tonight I'll have to take pictures of the cutting process... Any way the Nov FNSI is already upon us tomorrow night. Don't know what the sew-in is all about well head over to this spot and check out the details....then head over to Heidi's post here and tell her to count you in. I hope to get something done tomorrow whether it is sewing on my quilt or working a few stitches on the cross-stitch. Be watching for my progress report. Happy Sewing everyone.

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

With the big feast just a little over a
week away, what better time to share your tried & true Thanksgiving
favorites? From starters to desserts and everything in between, we want
to see what's on your family's table!

So, tell us...

What are your favorite THANKSGIVING recipes? Share 'em all in today's Recipe Round-Up!

Today, we're sharing a recipe for Holiday Brined Turkey, from our cookbook, The Harvest Table. Below the recipe, take a peek at our video...the brine mix itself makes a thoughtful gift for this time of year too!

2. Brownies: Melt butter and stir in sugar. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Mix in cocoa, baking powder and salt. Stir in flour until combined. Spread evenly in pan and bake for 25-30 min. Cool completely in pan on a cooling rack.

Monday, November 12, 2012

20 States are petitioning to leave the Union is your state one of them? Do check it out here. Sign the petition if you agree with leaving the union. I'm proud to say my state is one of them.... this country needs change. In order to sign the petition you must create an account but it isn't that hard just follow the instructions.

Jen grew up in the small town of St. Clairsville, Ohio, where she spent an idyllic childhood riding her purple spider bike, ice-skating on a little pond and reading Nancy Drew and Trixie Beldon books in her tree house. High School was, surprisingly enough, fabulous as Jen spent time with her girlfriends. She headed off to college with no idea of what she wanted to be when she grew up, but settled on pursuing a career in fashion because she thought it sounded glamorous. Her parents thought she’d lost her mind, but they resigned themselves to her choice and after earning a BA degree in Clothing and Textiles, Jen set off to take the fashion world by storm, only to discover retail was certainly not the glamorous career she’d imagined it would be. She moved to Buffalo, New York to take a job in the buying office of a large department store, learning all there was to know about cookware, which again, was hardly glamorous, especially to a girl who did not have a knack for cooking. She met her future husband, Al, a few months after taking this job and eight months later, they were married. After moving into management at another department store and working that for a few years, the company went out of business and Jen decided she’d had enough. One year later her son was born and Jen hung up her heels for good and concentrated on being a mom.

She began dabbling in writing when her son, then in elementary school, said he liked her made up stories as much as those in his books. It was then that she fired up the computer and never looked back.

Jen loves to write humorous stories with quirky characters and a dash of intrigue and finds historical romances especially appealing, seeing as how she’s been reading them since she was a teenager. Her mother gave her a copy of Kathleen Woodiwiss, The Flame and the Flower, and Jen was hooked on the genre. When not reading romance, she loves to read mysteries, young adult and her favorite series of all time, Harry Potter.

Besides writing, Jen enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Lady Eliza Sumner is on a mission. Her fortune was the last thing she had left after losing her father, her fiance, and her faith. Now, masquerading as Miss Eliza Sumner governess-at-large, she's determined to find the man who ran off with her fortune, reclaim the money, and head straight back to London.

Mr. Hamilton Beckett, much to his chagrin, is the catch of the season, and all the eyes of New York society--all the female ones, at least--are on him. He has no plans to marry again, especially since his hands are full keeping his business afloat while raising his two children alone.

Eliza's hapless attempts to regain her fortune unexpectedly put her right in Hamilton's path. The discovery of a common nemesis causes them to join forces and, before she knows it, Eliza has a whole retinue of people helping her. Eliza's determination not to trust anyone weakens when everyone's antics and bumbling efforts to assist her make her wonder if there might be more important things than her fortune and independence.

When all of Hamilton's and Eliza's best-laid plans fall by the wayside, it will take a riot of complications for them to realize that God just might have had a better plan in mind all along.

Friday, November 9, 2012

This week we're rounding up your secrets
to success in the kitchen, if you'll part with them! Share those recipes
that you always have in your back pocket for when time is short. Those
that you reach for when you just want to grab a few ingredients and
serve something the whole family will love!

So, tell us...

What are your favorite SHORTCUT recipes? Share 'em all in today's Recipe Round-Up!

This easy and heart chili appears in our cookbook, 5 Ingredients or Less, and it always comes in handy on busy nights...add some biscuits or cornbread and it'll warm you to your toes!